A Journey of Small Miracles and Comforting Healing

I was nominated and approved by the Sovereign Military Hospitaller, Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta, Western Association U.S.A. This order dates back to 1099. During the crusades, the Knights and Dames helped the sick, poor, and the warriors. The Order of Malta established its headquarters in 1834 in Rome.

I was motivated and assisted by my friends and family, and they encouraged me to go. There were many forms I had to complete and several documents I had to obtain. I had to get a doctor's approval and a parish priest had to recommend me. I had to write a biography of my life that dealt with my faith and I had to obtain a passport. I was very apprehensive about even going. I have chronic progressive Multiple Sclerosis. I need assistance with the basic necessities such as getting in and out of bed, dressing, using the restroom, etc... I had many reservations about traveling so far from home. The flight alone to Lourdes was 10.5 hours, and add another five hours for the waiting times at the airports and then the transfer of planes. I was very relieved when I discovered I could take my motorized wheel chairs with me. However, I still thought I needed some small miracles. Two of these miracles happened in the form of my daughter, Jackie, and my grandson, Danny.